“The chief sponsor of a bill that would require universal background checks for gun buyers is not backing down, despite signs the measure doesn’t have enough support to pass the House or his committee.”

Poll finds majority against bill allowing gay marriage (Star Tribune)

“Fifty-three percent of Minnesotans say the state statute banning same-sex unions should stand. Only 38 percent say legislators should overturn the law this year, the Star Tribune Minnesota Poll has found.”

“The state would be on the hook for far more than the $585 million in public dollars Mayo Clinic is seeking in its Destination Medical Center proposal. It may cost the state more than $1 billion over 30 years to cover the cost of bonds and interest.”

“Minnesota legislative leaders and Gov. Mark Dayton are proposing sweeping changes in state incentives for solar power, hoping to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from the sun.”

Minnesota has nearly recouped the 160,000 jobs lost in the Great Recession. But African-American and teenage unemployment remain at troubling levels and one of three jobless Minnesotans has been searching for work for 6 months or longer.

Lawmakers consider bill on EpiPen use in schools (KSTP)

“Right now, school nurses are allowed to stock epinephrine for students with prescriptions from a doctor. The bill would let any student that needs an EpiPen to be treated with one at school.”

“Opponents of an insurance surcharge to fund police and fire pensions told state lawmakers the proposal is particularly unfair to low-income Minnesotans and follows huge increases in homeowners insurance.”